Tribal Government
Executive Branch
Principal Chief Michell Hicks
Vice Chief Larry Blythe
- Elected popularly for four year terms
- Responsible for day to day operations
- Offices located in the Tribal Council House
Legislative Branch
Tribal Council
Chairman Jim Owle, Birdtown
Vice Chairman Alan Ensley, Yellowhill
Big Cove Representative Teresa McCoy
Big Cove Representative Perry Shell
Birdtown Representative Tunney Crowe
Cherokee County/Snowbird Diamond Brown
Cherokee County/Snowbird Adam Wachacha
Painttown Representative Terri Henry
Painttown Representative Tommye Saunooke
Wolfetown Representative Bill Taylor
Wolfetown Representative Michael Parker
Yellowhill Representative David Wolfe
- Elected by districts for two year terms
- Responsible for establishing laws for the Qualla Boundary
- Meets the first Thursday of each month at the Tribal Council House
Tribal Court
Supreme Court Justice
Tribal Criminal Court
Tribal Civil Court
- Justices appointed by Tribal Council upon recommendation of Executive Branch
- All Judges and Justices must be members in good standing of the NC Bar Association
- Tribal Court maintains a monthly schedule of sessions